DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Ukraine needs a "significant increase" in arms at a key moment in the Russian invasion and such support is the only way to a peaceful, negotiated solution, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.
On Friday, talks will take place at Germany's Ramstein Air Base with defense leaders from roughly 50 nations and NATO. After Russian troops invaded Ukraine nearly 11 months ago, this format has already been used for a number of meetings.
In an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Stoltenberg stated, "This is a key moment in the war, there is a need to significantly increase support for Ukraine."
"If we want a peaceful, negotiated solution tomorrow, we need to provide more weapons today," he said.
The main focus in Ramstein is expected to be not on what the United States will provide, but on whether Germany will change its opposition to sending Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine, or at least approve their transfer from allied countries.
Stoltenberg is cautious about this topic. He stated that consultations are ongoing, although he welcomed the decision of Great Britain to send Challenger tanks to Kyiv.
Britain stepped up pressure on Berlin this week by becoming the first Western country to send Western tanks, pledging 14 Challengers, but the Leopards are seen as the best choice to supply Ukraine with advanced tanks.
Kyiv says it hopes new Western weapons will give it a new boost this year, while heavy tanks will give troops greater mobility and protection to break through Russian lines in the country's east and south.
In addition to tanks, Stoltenberg said Ukraine needs more air defense systems and armored vehicles, as well as ammunition, spare parts and maintenance capabilities to ensure existing weapons continue to function.
According to him, the situation on the fronts has stabilized in recent weeks, but the prolonged fierce fighting in the eastern city of Bakhmut has demonstrated the importance of providing more weapons to support Ukraine.
Russia hasfocused on Bakhmut in recent weeks, saying last week it had captured the mining town of Soledar on the city's northern outskirts.
"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin has not shown any signs of readiness for peace, and therefore he must realize that he cannot win on the battlefield," Stoltenberg added.
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